Chris Miller Early Childhood Educator Fraser Public Schools Ready, Set, Go Source: Fraser Public Schools and Macomb Intermediate School District Kindergarten Readiness

If children could tell us what they need, here’s what they might say…

“I need adults to work together to help me get ready for school.” Here’s how you can help!

My Social and Emotional Skills “I need to feel excited and comfortable about starting school” Let me know that you are excited about me starting school Give me a chance to visit school before I start Talk about an experience you had at school I need to feel excited and comfortable about starting kindergarten

I need to feel good about myself Teach me to follow directions by giving me simple steps to follow. Help me to learn how to share, stand in line, wait my turn, and how to sit in a circle Pay attention to me and listen to my ideas Praise me for my strengths Help me feel good about things I can do

How I Learn “I need to be excited about learning” Encourage me to explore with my senses-to see, touch, smell, hear and taste my world Help me learn step by step Teach me that making mistakes is part of learning Help me learn and try new activities Give me lots of time to figure things out

Beginning Reading “I need to be familiar with words and books” Read to me Ask me questions about stories and help me understand their meaning Sing songs and teach me rhymes Teach me new words Help me hear the sounds that letters make

Beginning Numbers “I need to count and understand number order” Recognize numbers 1-10 Let me count things at home Let me know that a number represents that many objects (3 bears, 2 sisters, 5 fingers) Play counting games

A big step with big feelings I need to feel ready and eager, even if I also feel scared Help me practice saying good- bye to you Smile and show your enthusiasm Be delighted to see me after school Give me time to talk about my day and my new friends

Kindergarten Readiness Ready?

Melissa Sharp Director Assumption Center Pre-School Ready, Set, Go Kindergarten Readiness Transitioning – pre-school to kindergarten

Preparing during the summer Be Positive Build confidence You influence your child’s feelings Children follow your lead Read books… Check out books from the Library

Suggested Books The Night Before Kindergarten, by Natash Wing Tiptoe Into Kindergarten, by Jacqueline Rogers Look Out Kindergarten, Here I Come!, by Nancy L. Carson Welcome to Kindergarten, by Anne Rockwell Timothy Goes to School, by Rosemary Wells Will I have a Friend?, by Miriam Cohen Miss Bindergarten Gets Ready for Kindergarten, by Joseph Slate

Eating lunch independently Pack a lunch & head to the playground Have your child unwrap and eat independently Walk through the steps: what’s first, second, etc.

Developing Social Skills Decision Making Fairness Getting Attention Problem Solving Persistence – trial & error Good Manners Social Experiences – Playgroups – Go to the playground – Library story time – Group lessons and sports

Developing Social Skills Visit the playground Establish familiarity Build confidence Master “recess” Sharing and taking turns Following the leader Resolving conflict Learning independence

Preparing Academically: Fun while Learning Read daily – interactive Choose books of current interest Increase number in one sitting Ask questions What do signs say? Cut out words from ads Familiar word books

Letters, Numbers, Writing, Fine Motor, Sounds

Fostering Independence Practice dressing and tying shoes Work independently Use bathroom independently Button pants, zip jacket, put on shoes

School Readiness Skills Recognize name/letters Print concepts Colors and shapes Body parts 2 step instructions Cutting Rhyming Learning Games

Kindergarten Readiness Set?

Pam Cronovich Kindergarten Teacher Grosse Pointe Public Schools Ready, Set, Go Kindergarten Readiness

The start of your child’s formal education

Expectations: parents & children Positive talk about school Make the setting familiar Attend Spring round up Practice walking to school Give your child limited choices Dress for Success Establish Daily Routines

The start of your child’s formal education Practice Bedtime Routine Backpack by the by the door Choose clothes and lay out Read a bedtime story – 1 ? Practice Morning Routines Photo chart morning routine Get up, get dressed, eat breakfast Brush teeth, look at books… Plan a “good-bye” Ritual Loving but firm Help child connect to the day Reassure them you will see them

The start of your child’s formal education Organization Minimizes Frustration – Choose a spot for coats, backpacks, lunchboxes – Set up a file box for papers – READ the information sent home Help your child connect home and school – Connect homework to daily life/routine – Build curriculum connections

The start of your child’s formal education Get Involved! School Events Conferences Volunteer Connect with Parents

Kindergarten Readiness GO!

Kindergarten Readiness